Advise for IDPA new be?

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Ari

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So my fishing partner says he's just started getting into some IDPA and finally convinced me to checking it out. I'd like to be armed with a little more info on what to expect and what kind of gear I should bring with me. As well as overall what else I need to be aware of ahead of time type stuff. He said for the most part, they're real friendly and will help me, but I'd like to be prepared.

He said I'd need at least 2-300 rounds, 3 mags total and a holster. I already have one extra magazine, so I'll have to buy another this week. And I don't have a magazine holder, so I suspect I'll need to shop for one as well. Any suggestions on a "better" holster to use for this, as well as magazine holders?

any other suggestions? Haven't read the rest of this forum yet, but I'm about to. Thanks in advance.
 
what gun are you going to be using??

basic gear to have..3 to 5 mags, two single or one double mag pouch, a belt holster, a decent gun belt, hearing and eye protection, water and snacks..

most matches I have been too..about 125 to 150 rounds..
tell them you are new..and they will be happy to walk you through everything.

for more info..
check out IDPA.com
also look through the competition thread here, on firingline, brianenos.com and 1911forum..
also do a search on youtube and you will find a lot of videos from matches..
 
Obviously, the very first place to start is the official website for IDPA.

What type of gun are you planning to use?

I usually take about 200 rounds of ammo, and I don't use it all. You'll need three mags (I always take at least five mags, just in case), mag pouches (I also bring an extra pouch too), holster, a good gun belt and a concealment garment... As well as the required eye and ear protection, of course.

On your first trip to a match, you'll need to show up early so that you can take the new shooter safety class. After that, just pay attention to the stage requirements and the shooters who go before you.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun and be safe! You can never miss fast enough, so take your time engaging the targets... The speed will come with time and experience.
 
I'm planning on shooting my daily carry, which is my Smith & Wesson 5904. Here's a shot of my rig

gun01.jpg

I don't have a mag holder, so I'd like advise on a good belt, holster and mag holder. I don't think my current holster will suffice, it's a little tight getting out and not as intuitive reholstering.
 
Kydex! Kydex is the answer!:rolleyes:

I use Uncle Mike's holsters and mag carriers. They are not very practical for daily carry, but I've won countless $0.34 ribbons with them.:D

Good luck. You'll have a blast.
 
Well, I just came back from my local shop and I ended up picking up a Fobus paddle and dual mag holder. I didn't buy a belt, hoping my old leather belt will be sufficient. Now off to the range to get some practice time.
 
I've not seen a 300rd IDPA match yet. Anything local is probably 100rds or so, strict IDPA rules call for 18rds max per stage.

A decent belt which is less expensive than good leather:
http://gunnersalley.zoovy.com/product/WILDERNESSBELT

Mag holders come down to preferences, but I like G-Code. I've also used Mitchell Pierce single holders that I liked.
http://gunnersalley.com/product/GCODEDOUBLEMAG

Excellent deals on a 5.11 concealment vest $20.
(don't worry about the ninja-camo, you'll never wear it in public no matter the color/pattern)
http://www.lapolicegear.com/5tadicave.html

Your S&W would be competitive enough as is and you'd shoot it in SSP (standard service pistol). Say your classification is either NOvice or UNclassified.

Tell the RO on each stage your new, and they'll give you pointers on the rules and what's expected of you.

Have fun! But be warned, it's addictive. Before long you'll have a gamey 1911 in 9mm and a reloading press setup.
 
Cool, thanks alot. I can really see myself getting into this. So you think gun wise I'll be okay? What do you guys shoot? Is the belt necessary for my Fobus paddle holsters?
 
A good belt really is worth the investment, not absolutely required but I'd suggest getting one before buying another holster. It'll keep your holster more stable to help your draw and be more comfortable for a long match than any department store belt. A paddle holster will probably help some over the pancake rig pictured but I'd still suggest the belt. The Wilderness belt is $40 and decent leather starts around $60 but you may wear it more to help justify the 'value'.

A good grip and pistol fundamentals will help too:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ysa50-plo48
Reload video, by a pro-IPSC guy, IDPA reloads have to be from behind the 9-o'clock position & concealed.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hgdq1FBYTUE

and yet another IDPA video off YouTube, typical stages for an indoor match, El Prez turns, while retreating, strong hand only, weak hand only, etc.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cBkz7uZEzYs

I should have noted, that the first two vids are for technique purposes, those guys are pro and way above most of us. The last video was interesting YouTube stuff I ran across this morning, most of those guys were above-average for IDPA matches...
 
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Don't let those video's scare you

Those are world class performers!

If it's not too late to take the fobus back, I would. They are plastic, but not kydex. An uncle mikes would be a good budget buy, or pick any from a major maker (sidearmor, bladetech, comptac, Talon Tactical, etc, etc, etc ... they don't really make a bad one.)

I did the same thing, and made it work for a year or so, but the difference between kydex and fobus is night and day. If you are keeping it, practice with it, they are known to be overly tight on many models of pistol, and might require a good snatch to clear the firearm.

Around here, there are a lot of matchs that keep it at 50 rounds, but having extra doesn't hurt a thing.

It's a fun thing you are starting!
 
Your Fobus will be fine. Like Jim W above suggested, dry fire practice in a mirror and practive your reloads too. The holster must be on the seamline of your pants or behind and not visible from the front with your arms by your sides. Same for the Mag pouchs. Dont be distracted by the rock stars. Focus on smooth.

Make sure you practice finger off the trigger and sweeping yourself or anyone else on your draw. Once the SO's see your not dangerous to the general population they calm down.

On the walk through at the range, dont air gun to rehearse the stages. Keep your hands in your pockets.

They will always (or should) go over the stage or string so you understand it.

Enjoy the match and let us know how you do. Good luck.
 
I started IDPA a few months back, and I had a lot of the same questions you have. If your club is as freiendly as I found mine to be you will be in fine shape. They really took the time to show me the ropes, slowed down the shooting so I could keep up, offered to loan me equipment until I could buy, etc... Really a great bunch of guys, and I've found a life long hobby. More fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Good luck, and don't sweat it. If you can hit what you aim at, at a reasonable distance, you will do fine. Take it slow at first, go for 0 or -1's, if your outside of that your trying to go too fast.

Enjoy, and keep us posted.
 
Non-equipment tips:

Shoot a match before joining IDPA. Most ranges (and I think the IDPA rules) will let you shoot in one match before actually joining.

Bring water/drink in a sealable container, not cans. Bring a snack for a night shoot. My indoor range's IDPA shoots are during dinner time. Chances are the range will not provide refreshments.

Bring cash. The range/match coordinators might not take credit or check for range/match fees.
 
For a belt I like the Wilderness tactical, Midway sells an Uncle mikes that is similar and costs under $30. You’re holster will be ok for now, and the Uncle Mikes kydex is NOT IDPA approved. They mention it specifically on page 32 and just incase you missed it they have a picture of it on 35, showing what an illegal holster looks like. Safe gun handling is going to be on the top of the list. Knowing the rules comes in a strong second. Third, bring a gun and equipment that works. I can’t stress that enough; you can’t win an 11 second stage with a 4 second malfunction. I would suggest watching a match first, talking with the shooters “learning the ropes”, before you’ve got a lot of other stuff on your mind, I guarantee you’ll finish better than if you just walked up. Once you become acclimated to the basics, work on your reloads. A fast reload with retention can move you up in the ranks. As above dry fire practice is just as important as live fire.
 
The Uncle Mikes kydex is NOT IDPA approved. They mention it specifically on page 32 and just incase you missed it they have a picture of it on 35, showing what an illegal holster looks like.
Click to expand...

Well, my Uncle Mikes Kydex paddle holster looks nothing like the one pictured on page 35. It may be because it's an older model, but I've never had any MD's say it was illegal.
 
To clarify:

Use the fobus if you can't return it.

A stock Uncle Mikes belt holster is not within the rules. Uncle mike's need to be a paddle holster, or you can alter them (Kydex will bend when warm, the Fobus will not btw). The belt loops need to be heated an squashed.

Ideal (IMO) would be a Kydex from any of the big names.

There's a lot more to the game than just drawing, there are many facets. Holster/draw speed can wait ...

IMHO, the best place to focuse are:
Safety (esp trigger finger awareness, muzzle direction awareness)
Rules
Shooting grip, fundamentals.
 
Remember that "Load and Make Ready" is not on the clock, and that the timer stops at the last shot. Take your time holstering the gun and you should be fine. I personally prefer Blade-Tech straight-drop holsters, but you should not have to buy a new holster to compete.
Richard
Schennberg.com
 
I am already shopping for a new gun! :) And I know that for my next holster I'll be getting a Blade Tech. It's either going to be a glock or 1911, but I've also got my eye on a S&W M&P .45 w/safety. And I also have plans on using my .38 to shoot SSR, but it's a 5 shot, good excuse to get a new Smith wheel gun. I plan to compete in SSP (first) then CDP, SSR and maybe ESP. I haven't shot one match yet but I'm already hooked from just all I've seen online. I'm very much an addictive type person and I can see a new passion forming. :)

I have also done a ton of reading from all of the competition shooting boards suggested above and even more watching online of actual competition and know all of the commands by heart now and have been practicing at home, especially commands like "Load and make ready", "Unload and show clear" and "hammer down". Also understanding commands like "Muzzle", "Cover" and most importantly "Trigger". I have practiced the various reloads "Emergency" and "tactical". And the importance of "cover".

It will not be a far stretch or learning curve for me as I was taught all of the importance of muzzle control and finger over the guard LONG ago.

My first match will be this Saturday at the RFG here and I'll be bringing my S&W 5904 and my Springfield XD .357, except I only have my IWB for the XD, but my double mag holder will work for the XD. I'm absolutely stoked!
 
I will repeat my Four Priorities

1. Be safe. Don't hurt anybody, don't scare anybody, don't get disqualified for safety rule violations. Nearly all IDPA ranges are "cold", do not load or even handle your gun (Get it in the holster in a designated safety area.) until told to Load and Make Ready.

2. Execute. Pay attention to the Course of Fire description, look at the layout, watch previous shooters, understand what is required and do it. IDPA is pretty choreographed and it is tough to learn the requirements one Procedural Error penalty at a time.

3. Hit the targets. Hit them in the middle (or head when required.) You cannot miss fast enough to win.

4. Move along. Do not run before you can walk LITERALLY but do not dilly-dally around, your time is your score, plus half a second per "point down" (#3 above) and penalties (#2 above.)
 
Ari, the only problem with your 5904 is that you can't dry fire with out a mag in. So on the "hammer down" you can only decock, I'm an MD/SO and I really prefer the dry fire because the "phantom" round will go off down range. But other than that, if you shoot it well use it. Work on your first double action shot. I'm surprised how many people that have "double/single guns have never shot it double action in years of owning them. I shot a Ruger P89 for a lot of years and spent a lot of practice rounds shooting that first shot, shoot decock, shoot, decock, ect. for many rounds. Start out slow and accurate, you may get buy with fast and sloppy, but slow and sloppy only works for one thing, and it's not IDPA.
 
You can "hammer down" with a mag disconnect. One of our shooters with a BHP keeps an empty mag, the full range commands are the following:

  • Unload and show clear
  • slide forward
  • show empty mag
  • put empty mag in gun
  • hammer down
  • remove empty mag
  • holster

Besides, there's no award for holstering quickly, so taking time to do it right is a good thing.

Adam
 
Hey guys, I bought an additional magazine to use as a "clearing mag", which I've been thinking of painting bright orange. That is exactly how I used it. I made sure to let the SO know before I staged of my situation, which they appreciated and although it was a pain to have to do every time, I got used to it and after shooting 7 stages today, and became second nature. I have a designated pocket for it, and it worked great.

But I am now seriously considering buying and using a different gun now, and this is a big factor in that decision.

Other than that, I had a blast. (PTP) Those 7 stages went by way to fast today. there were quite a few shooting stances I was not prepared for. For instance we had to shoot prone behind a car, which I've never done before with a pistol and I didn't do so well. And I also had to shoot weak hand only, which I also have never practiced very much. I did surprisingly well shooting strong hand only. My only infractions were two times I layed out too far out exposing my leggs shooting prone and was called for cover, but other than that, I was pretty well prepared. And before you know it I was going along with the flow of everyone else, helping tape, etc when I can.

What a rush stepping up to my first stage! I'm hooked, and hooked deep. I just don't think shooting once a month is enough and I'm going to find other clubs now so I can shoot more often. first things first, I'm ordering my membership tonight! And shoping for a new gun, either a glock or 1911, as they seem to be the reigning/prodominent gun in the competition. Open to suggestions, I'd like to get a .45, but 9mm is more economical.

Oh, and my buddy who's been shooting IDPA a couple more times than me had a digital camera and took some pictures, so I'll post some pics of my day when he sends them over to me.
 
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